2011 NHL Mock Draft: Boston Bruins Select Ryan Murphy at No. 9

As part of our 2011 NHL Draft coverage, The Detroit Sports Site is hosting a mock draft, with all the picks made by home-town bloggers. We’ll reveal the selections one at a time leading up to the June 24 draft.

The vote was unanimous: Ryan Murphy, a defenseman who posted a whopping 79 points for Kitchener of the OHL last season.

Travalgia gives us the reasoning behind Boston’s pick:

With the Bruins having depth at the forward position at both the NHL and AHL level, it makes sense to target a defensemen. Murphy led all OHL draft-eligible defensemen in points with 79. Murphy is also very skilled on the power play, something the Bruins struggled with all season long. With injured forward Marc Savard most likely not coming back, Murphy could be looked upon to quarterback the Bruins’ power play.

Hutcheon also liked Murphy’s offensive potential and how that game fit in with Boston’s current roster:

Murphy is a small defenseman (5-foot-10, 166 lbs.) who relies on his quick feet and skating ability to beat defenders one on one, offensively. He is a highly-skilled puck handler with hands as quick as his feet, which is hard to find in most players. It is those skills that give Murphy the confidence to take the puck end-to-end and set up teammates for scoring chances. His shot is NHL-ready. Murphy is the offensive defenseman Boston lacks and will only enhance an already strong blue-line corps.